My Mate Is An Omega
Chapter 21

Caitlyn

POV

I rushed back home as soon as the Alpha released me for lunch break. Since Lance was too busy with work to meet me for breakfast, we decided to have our meal at home so we could spend some private time together. As much as I loved being with our friends, I also valued the moments I could be alone with my mate, especially after last night. Although we had only been apart for a few hours, I couldn't wait to see him again.

When I opened the door to our house, noticing he hadn't arrived yet, I decided to go to our room to get changed - I couldn't risk staining one of my few office outfits while cooking. After changing into more casual clothes, I took a few seconds to analyze my reflection in the mirror. I delicately threw my wavy chestnut hair over my right shoulder, exposing the opposite side of my neck where Lance had marked me the night before. It looked so perfect; I couldn't help but admire it at every chance I got. Just staring at it made me feel so... whole, as if I wasn't complete before. There was a warmth inside of me which assured me I was always meant to be his.

"Because we were supposed to belong with them from the start," Faye stated confidently.

"How so?" I c****d my head to the side. "Lance is our second chance mate. We were Caleb's first."

"We were never his!" she growled fiercely, as if I had insulted her. "I don't think the Moon Goddess ever meant for us to truly be with that jerk."

"What do you mean?"

"I... I honestly don't know." She lowered her ears. "I just have this feeling. It was so easy accepting Caleb's rejection; we healed quite fast too, despite our bloodline. You see what I'm saying?"

"Kinda." I shrugged, turning my attention back to the mark on my shoulder. It always made me smile. "I guess it doesn't matter anymore now."

"You're right."

"I'm home, beautiful!" My mate's voice echoed through the walls of our small house, followed by the sound of the door shutting. My heart instantly skipped a bit.

I ran towards him, and he didn't hesitate before wrapping his arms around me. He was gleaming today; I wondered if it had anything to do with the fact that we had just marked each other. He placed a sweet kiss on my forehead, smiling brightly as his vivid green eyes locked on mine.

"How has your day been going so far?" the warrior asked, placing a strand of my hair behind my ear.

"Lonely," I confessed, searching for his lips. A fire lit up inside of me the second I tasted him; the sparks were even stronger now that our bond was complete. "How was yours?"

"Well, I have some rather surprising news."

"More surprises?"

"Seems like it." He laughed, intertwining our fingers as he pulled me towards the kitchen. "I can tell you about it while we fix some rabbits for lunch?"

The synergy we had in the kitchen was astounding. Neither of us were incredible cooks, but we made a pretty good team. While I chopped some vegetables to go along with the meat, he carefully prepared the sauce. I listened attentively as he explained what happened during morning training, from when James challenged him, to how he managed to defeat the Beta. The only time I had seen the older warrior in action was during the Spring Tournament, but from what I heard, he was a fierce fighter on the battlefield. The multiple scars covering his body were proof of his abilities. Knowing my mate had been able to overcome his strength was... surprising, to say the least.

"Lance, this is amazing!" I cheered, smiling proudly at him.

"I know, right?" He chuckled, momentarily leaving the cooking pots aside to pull me closer to him. "And I wouldn't have managed to do it without you." "What? I wasn't even there." I drew my eyebrows together, confused.

"True. But you see, my mate..." He took a deep breath, inhaling my scent as if it was his oxygen. "Atlas is convinced your mark is what made us stronger. Now that our bond has been established, we are able to reach our full potential."

I could only smile in response. I was happy for him, but I couldn't properly understand his words. How could a simple Omega like me give him strength? My mate's statement only started to make sense when I remembered Faye's words from earlier. Maybe she was right; maybe we were always meant to be together. It would explain how I could bring out the best in him, despite our weak bloodline. Nothing could compare to the power of a true bond.

Once we were done cooking, we sat at the small kitchen table to eat the fresh meal. We chatted some more over lunch, talking about our plans for the following days. Spending time with him was always so relaxing; there was no pressure, just love. Everyone told stories about how good life becomes once you replace your mate, but after I met Lance, I realized nothing could compare to this feeling. This passion. This tranquility.

We were about to go back to work when I heard an unexpected voice in my mind. "Caitlyn, are you with your mate?"

"Uh... yes, Sir." His question was so unexpected.

"Good. I'm excusing you from work for the rest of the day. Tell Lancaster I would like to meet him at the north border. Now." Before I could even process his command, he cut our connection. "What's wrong?" my mate asked, concerned.

"I'm not sure something's wrong per se," I confessed, still trying to understand my brief conversation with the Alpha. "Dario wants to meet with you. Now."

"Oh. Okay?" He seemed just as confused as me. "Will you come with me?"

"I think he wants to talk to you in private."

He hesitated for a second, but ended up shrugging. "Alright. I'll see what the old man wants, then I'll come right back to you." He kissed my cheek, and I watched as he walked out the door.

***

Lancaster POV

It wasn't easy to perceive Dario's emotions. He had been through a lot in his life, and he learned to hide his suffering behind a perfectly neutral semblance so that no one could pity him, or take advantage of him. Not even I was able to tell what was going on in his mind, though I had been raised by him from a very young age. However, as we paced through the empty forest, I could sense he was a little hesitant - it made me nervous.

As usual, he was hiding his concerns behind small talk, but I knew there had to be a bigger reason why he wanted to meet me so urgently. He walked with a straight posture, as if he couldn't let his guard down. What was going on?

"James told me you managed to take him down in training today." When he introduced the subject, I stiffened. "I'm sure Diesel ain't nothing like he used to be back in our golden days, but it's still impressive. I wouldn't expect anything less from my bravest warrior." He flashed me a smile, yet it didn't feel sincere.

"I'm sorry, Alpha, but why exactly are we here?" I asked at last, unable to hide my discomfort any longer. "I'm sure you didn't bring me all the way here to congratulate me. You could've done so in your office."

"Attentive as always." He sighed, looking at the trail ahead of us. "You're right. I decided to call you here to teach you my father's secret technique. I don't want anyone else to replace out about it, which is why I think this is the perfect spot. We are completely alone." "I'm honored, Sir. Are you sure you want to share it with me though? I mean, I'm just a stray."

"You keep putting yourself down, boy. You're one of my best warriors; I bet you could even take me down if you tried to." What? Where did that come from?

"Sir, I would never-"

"I just want to help you reach your full potential. Maybe you could become one of my personal bodyguards someday, and I think this technique will be of much help." He finally stopped. When he looked into my eyes, I noticed he was dead serious. "Lance, not all werewolves will attack you in their wolf form. I've never told the story I'm about to tell you to anyone. Listen carefully, will you?"

"Of course."

Standing less than five feet away from him, I watched as he pulled out a shiny silver dagger from one of the pockets of his black overcoat. The blade wasn't like the one used for traditional pack rituals; it was bigger, sharper. The atmosphere between us was already tense enough, and the deadly weapon only added to my apprehension. However, I remained still and did as he said.

"You see, back when my father was still the Alpha of Diamond Tempest, he was betrayed by one of his... closest allies. Another leader, whom he had helped greatly in the past." As Dario spoke, I couldn't take my eyes off the sharp object. "The man was invited for a meeting, and he attacked my father when they were alone in his office. Backstabbed him, to be exact. He used the move to break free, which allowed him to defeat the traitor. Later on, my old man incorporated the late Alpha's pack, but that's another story." He cleared his throat, lifting the dagger. "This is the weapon that was used against him by one of his best friends. He kept it as a reminder that even his closest allies could betray him, so he should never allow himself to be blinded by his trust in anyone else. Does that make sense to you?"

"Uh... I guess?" I replied in confusion.

"Alright, enough talking. Let's get to training." He pulled me by the shoulder, but I remained rooted in my spot.

"Wait! You want us to practice with a real silver dagger?" I widened my eyes, my heart beating faster. The metal was lethal to wolves; it was never used unless we wanted to hurt someone.

"I don't see what the problem is - unless you're planning to kill me." I'm sure he meant it as a joke, but it didn't sound like one at all.

"What?! Of course not!"

"It's settled then." He smiled briefly. "Turn around now. I'll pretend to stab you, and you will try to grab my wrist." I blinked a few times, still confused with the whole situation. "Come on." He rushed me, and I finally did as he said.

From the corner of my eye, I saw his hand approaching my back. Without hesitation, I swung myself around to wrap my fingers around his wrist. He kept slowly instructing me through every step of the technique until I was familiar with it. After some time, he suggested we try it at real speed. As tense as I was, I couldn't disobey him. I took a few breaths to focus before I repeated every step he showed me, until I had the dagger against his throat.

Dario's eyes widened for a moment, as did mine. I had him completely immobilized; the slightest movement and the blade could cut his throat open. It was uncanny to have the Alpha in such a vulnerable position; it felt wrong. Just as I noticed the metal start to burn his skin, I pulled away, letting the dagger fall on the floor. My hands were shaking.

"I'm sorry, Alpha!" I dropped to my knees in front of him, baring my neck to him.

The unwelcomed sensation overwhelmed me; nothing about the situation felt right. Aside from being like a father to me, Dario was my Alpha, and I was an Omega from his pack. I would always be loyal to him, until the day I died. When the man didn't say anything, I lifted my head up to look at him.

To my surprise, there was realization in his vivid blue eyes - but I couldn't tell why.